Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A touch panel device used in an endoscope device comprising: a display portion having a display panel and a touch panel formed thereto and configured to display an endoscope image on the display panel acquired by an endoscope including a bending portion; and a processor configured to control the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display panel displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and the processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; wherein the processor changes a speed of the bending operation of the bending portion according to an operation speed of the first operation.
This invention relates to a touch panel device for controlling an endoscope, addressing the challenge of intuitive and precise manipulation of the endoscope's bending portion during medical procedures. The device includes a display portion with a touch panel overlaying a display panel, which shows endoscope images captured by an endoscope equipped with a bendable section. The touch panel features concentric first and second areas, where the second area is inside the first, forming a ring-like configuration with directional indicators between them. The processor controls the bending portion based on user interactions: maintaining a touch in the first area for a predetermined duration triggers a bending operation in the direction corresponding to the touch position. The bending speed adjusts according to the touch operation speed. Additionally, swiping on the directional patterns in the second area stops the bending motion. This design enables ergonomic, real-time control of the endoscope's bending movements, enhancing procedural accuracy and ease of use. The system integrates visual feedback with tactile input, allowing surgeons to navigate the endoscope's flexible tip efficiently while maintaining focus on the displayed imagery.
2. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to control the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation so that the bending portion is accurately manipulated with no need for a user to shift eyes from the endoscope image to a manipulation image during an operation.
This invention relates to a touch panel device for medical endoscopy, addressing the challenge of precise manipulation of bending portions in endoscopes without requiring users to divert their gaze from the endoscope image to a separate manipulation interface. The device includes a touch panel with a display that shows an endoscope image, and a processor that controls the bending portion of the endoscope. The processor is configured to adjust the bending portion based on touch inputs on the touch panel, allowing accurate manipulation while the user maintains focus on the endoscope image. The touch panel may include a touch sensor and a display screen, where the display screen shows the endoscope image and the touch sensor detects touch inputs to control the bending portion. The processor processes these touch inputs to generate control signals that adjust the bending portion's position, enabling precise navigation without requiring the user to look away from the endoscope image. This improves operational efficiency and reduces errors during medical procedures.
3. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the display panel displays a centering area, and the processor is configured to control the bending portion so that the bending portion is straightened when the user keeps performing a second operation on the centering area via the touch panel in a second predetermined duration less than the first predetermined duration of the first operation.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor controlling a flexible bending portion of the display. The device detects user touch operations on the display. When a user performs a first operation on a designated area of the display for a first predetermined duration, the processor bends the bending portion to a curved state. If the user continues performing a second operation on a centering area of the display for a second predetermined duration, shorter than the first duration, the processor straightens the bending portion. The bending portion can be a flexible section of the display that adjusts its curvature based on user input. The display panel visually indicates the centering area, which serves as a control region for straightening the bending portion. The processor monitors touch interactions and adjusts the bending portion accordingly, allowing dynamic adjustment of the display's shape based on user commands. This enables users to quickly switch between flat and curved display states for different viewing or interaction needs.
4. The touch panel device of claim 3 , wherein the second area on the display panel is substantially same as the centering area on the display panels.
A touch panel device includes a display panel with a first area and a second area. The first area is a touch-sensitive region where touch inputs are detected, while the second area is a non-touch-sensitive region. The second area is positioned such that it is substantially the same as a centering area on the display panel, which is typically a central region used for alignment or calibration purposes. The device may include a touch sensor layer over the display panel to detect touch inputs in the first area, while the second area remains inactive for touch detection. The touch sensor layer may be patterned or configured to exclude the second area from touch sensitivity. This design ensures that the centering area remains unaffected by touch interactions, allowing for accurate alignment or calibration processes. The device may also include a controller to process touch signals from the first area while ignoring inputs in the second area. This configuration is useful in applications where precise alignment or calibration is required, such as in industrial or medical displays where touch functionality must not interfere with centering operations.
5. The touch panel device of claim 3 , wherein the centering area on the display panel is an area outside the first area on the display panel.
A touch panel device includes a display panel with a first area for displaying content and a centering area for guiding a user's touch input. The centering area is positioned outside the first area on the display panel. The device detects touch input within the centering area and adjusts the position of the displayed content to align with the user's touch, improving accuracy. The centering area may be a predefined region or dynamically adjusted based on user interaction. The display panel may include additional areas for other functions, such as navigation or control inputs. The touch panel device ensures that touch inputs are accurately registered, even if the user's touch is slightly offset from the intended target, by using the centering area to recalibrate the display position. This enhances usability, particularly in applications requiring precise touch input, such as drawing, gaming, or text entry. The device may also include sensors or algorithms to refine touch detection and centering adjustments. The centering area helps compensate for parallax errors or misalignment between the touch panel and the display, ensuring consistent performance. The overall system improves touch accuracy without requiring additional hardware, relying instead on software-based adjustments within the display panel's existing structure.
6. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the display panel displays a second area outside the first area, and the processor stops the bending operation when the first operation is performed on the second area via the touch panel.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor. The display panel has a first area that can be bent by a bending operation, and a second area outside the first area. The processor controls the bending operation of the first area. When a first operation, such as a touch or gesture, is performed on the second area via the touch panel, the processor stops the bending operation. This prevents unintended bending when interactions occur outside the designated bending region, ensuring stable and controlled operation. The device may include additional features, such as a flexible display panel that allows the first area to bend while maintaining display functionality, and a touch sensor that detects user input to trigger or halt the bending operation. The processor may also adjust the bending angle or speed based on user input or system conditions. This technology is useful in flexible display applications where precise control over bending is required to avoid interference with user interactions.
7. The touch panel device of claim 6 , wherein the display panel displays a centering area, and the processor is configured to control the bending portion so that the bending portion is straightened when the user keeps performing a second operation on the centering area via the touch panel in a duration less than a second predetermined duration.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor connected to a bending portion of the device. The display panel shows a centering area, and the processor detects user interactions with this area. When a user performs a second operation on the centering area via the touch panel for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold, the processor controls the bending portion to straighten. This functionality allows the device to dynamically adjust its physical shape in response to user input, enhancing usability and adaptability. The bending portion may be part of a flexible or foldable display structure, enabling the device to transition between bent and straightened states based on user interaction. The second operation could involve touch gestures such as tapping, swiping, or holding, and the predetermined duration ensures that the action is intentional rather than accidental. This feature improves user control over the device's form factor, particularly in flexible or foldable electronic devices where physical adjustments are common. The processor's role includes monitoring touch inputs, determining gesture duration, and triggering mechanical adjustments to the bending portion accordingly. The centering area serves as a designated input region for initiating these adjustments, ensuring consistent and predictable behavior.
8. The touch panel device of claim 7 , wherein the second area is substantially same as the centering area on the display panel.
A touch panel device includes a display panel with a centering area and a touch panel overlaying the display panel. The touch panel has a first area and a second area, where the second area is substantially the same as the centering area on the display panel. The first area is configured to detect touch inputs, while the second area is configured to detect touch inputs with reduced sensitivity or disabled functionality. The device may include a controller that processes touch signals from the first area and adjusts or ignores signals from the second area. The centering area on the display panel may correspond to a central region where touch interactions are less critical, such as a status bar or notification zone. The touch panel device may be used in electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or touchscreen displays where selective touch sensitivity is desired to improve user experience or reduce accidental inputs. The second area's reduced sensitivity helps prevent unintended touches in non-functional regions while maintaining full touch functionality in the primary interaction zones. The device may also include additional features like a protective layer over the touch panel and a flexible circuit board for signal transmission.
9. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the display panel displays a second area wherein the processor is configured to stop the bending operation when the user performs the first operation on the second area via the touch panel, and the display panel displays an operation button for executing a predetermined function in the second area.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor that controls the display panel and detects touch inputs. The device is designed to address the challenge of unintentional bending or deformation of flexible display panels, which can occur during normal use. The display panel includes a first area that can be bent or deformed by a user, and a second area that remains rigid or fixed. The processor is configured to detect a first operation, such as a touch or press, performed by the user on the second area. When this first operation is detected, the processor stops any ongoing bending or deformation of the first area. Additionally, the second area displays an operation button that, when activated, executes a predetermined function, such as adjusting display settings, launching an application, or controlling device features. This design ensures that bending operations are only performed intentionally and provides a dedicated control interface in the rigid second area for enhanced usability and safety. The device may also include sensors or feedback mechanisms to confirm the user's intent before executing bending operations.
10. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the display panel displays a second area wherein the processor is configured to stop the bending operation when the user performs the first operation on the second area via the touch panel.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor that controls a bending operation of the device. The display panel has a first area where a user performs a first operation, such as a touch or gesture, to initiate the bending operation. The device also includes a second area on the display panel where the user can perform the first operation to stop the bending operation. The processor detects the user's input in either area and adjusts the bending operation accordingly. The bending operation may involve adjusting the curvature or shape of the device, such as folding or flexing a portion of the display panel. The second area provides a dedicated region to halt the bending process, ensuring precise control over the device's mechanical adjustments. This design allows users to dynamically interact with the device, enabling flexible adjustments to its physical configuration while preventing unintended bending by providing a clear stop mechanism. The touch panel device may be part of a foldable or flexible electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or wearable display, where controlled bending is essential for usability and durability.
11. The touch panel device of claim 10 , wherein the display panel displays a centering area, and the processor is configured to control the bending portion so that the bending portion is straightened when the user keeps performing a second operation on the centering area via the touch panel in a duration less than the first predetermined duration.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor controlling a bendable portion of the device. The display panel shows a centering area, and the processor detects user interactions with this area. When a user performs a second operation on the centering area for a duration shorter than a first predetermined time, the processor straightens the bendable portion. This functionality allows users to quickly reset or adjust the device's physical configuration by interacting with a specific display region. The device may also include additional features, such as detecting touch inputs to determine bending directions or adjusting the bendable portion based on user gestures. The system ensures responsive and intuitive control over the device's physical form, enhancing usability in dynamic environments. The processor may also track multiple touch points to refine bending adjustments, ensuring precise and smooth transitions between bent and straightened states. This design improves user interaction by providing immediate feedback and control over the device's structural configuration.
12. The touch panel device of claim 11 , wherein the second area is substantially same as the centering area on the display panel.
A touch panel device includes a display panel with a centering area and a touch sensor layer configured to detect touch inputs. The touch sensor layer has a first area and a second area, where the second area is substantially the same as the centering area on the display panel. The touch sensor layer is designed to detect touch inputs in both the first and second areas, with the second area aligning with the centering area of the display panel. This alignment ensures that touch inputs detected in the second area correspond precisely to the centering area on the display, improving accuracy and user experience. The device may also include additional features such as a protective layer over the touch sensor layer and a flexible printed circuit board connected to the touch sensor layer for signal processing. The touch panel device is particularly useful in applications requiring precise touch detection, such as smartphones, tablets, and other interactive displays. The alignment of the second area with the centering area ensures that touch inputs are accurately mapped to the display, reducing errors and enhancing responsiveness. The device may further include a controller to process touch signals and determine touch coordinates, ensuring reliable operation.
13. The touch panel device of claim 1 , wherein the display panel displays a centering area, and the processor is configured to control the bending portion so that the bending portion is straightened when the user keeps performing a second operation on the centering area via the touch panel in a second predetermined duration less than the first predetermined duration of the first operation.
A touch panel device includes a display panel and a processor that controls a flexible bending portion of the device. The display panel shows a centering area, and the processor is configured to detect user interactions with this area. When a user performs a second operation on the centering area for a second predetermined duration that is shorter than the first predetermined duration of a first operation, the processor straightens the bending portion. The first operation involves the user performing a continuous touch or gesture on the centering area for a longer duration, which may trigger a different response, such as adjusting the bending angle of the portion. The second operation, being shorter, results in the bending portion returning to a straightened state. This mechanism allows users to quickly reset the device's bending configuration by interacting with the centering area for a brief period. The device may be used in flexible or foldable displays, where adjusting the bending angle dynamically enhances usability. The processor ensures smooth transitions between bent and straightened states based on user input duration, improving user control over the device's physical configuration.
14. A computer program product in a form of recording medium, used in a touch panel device, including a non-transitory computer readable medium having a bending control program code encoded thereon that when executed by a processor of a computer, the bending control program causes the computer to execute: a code displaying, on a display portion having a display screen and a touch panel formed thereto, the display screen includes an endoscope image acquired by an endoscope having a bending portion; a code controls the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display screen displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and the processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; and a code changing a speed of the bending operation of the bending portion according to an operation speed of the first operation.
This invention relates to a touch panel-based control system for an endoscope with a bending portion. The system addresses the challenge of intuitively and precisely controlling the bending movement of an endoscope using a touch interface. The invention provides a computer program product stored on a non-transitory recording medium, designed for use in a touch panel device. The program includes instructions to display an endoscope image on a display screen integrated with a touch panel. The display screen shows concentric first and second areas, where the second area is inside the first area, forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns between them. These patterns indicate bending directions. When a user performs a continuous touch operation (first operation) on the touch panel for a predetermined duration, the bending portion of the endoscope is controlled to bend in the direction corresponding to the touch position within the first area. If the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area, the bending operation stops. The bending speed is adjusted based on the operation speed of the first operation, allowing for fine control. This system enables precise and responsive manipulation of the endoscope's bending portion through intuitive touch gestures.
15. An endoscope bending control method comprising: preparing a display portion having a touch panel displaying a display screen; displaying an endoscope image acquired by an endoscope on the display screen, the endoscope includes a bending portion configured to communicate with a bending driving portion and a bending control portion having codes of a bending control process to control the bending driving portion in accordance to instructions input via the touch panel; and controlling the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display screen displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and a processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; and changing a speed of the bending operation of the bending portion according to an operation speed of the first operation.
This invention relates to a method for controlling the bending of an endoscope using a touch panel interface. The problem addressed is the need for intuitive and precise control of an endoscope's bending portion during medical procedures, where traditional manual controls may be cumbersome or lack responsiveness. The method involves displaying an endoscope image on a touch panel screen, which includes a bending control interface. The interface features concentric first and second areas, with the second area inside the first, forming a ring-like configuration. Directional patterns between these areas indicate bending directions. When a user performs a continuous touch operation in the first area for a predetermined duration, the bending portion of the endoscope moves in the direction corresponding to the touch position. The bending speed adjusts based on the operation speed of the touch. If the user swipes on the directional patterns in the second area, the bending operation stops. The endoscope includes a bending portion connected to a bending driving mechanism and a control unit with software to process bending instructions from the touch panel. This method aims to provide a more responsive and user-friendly way to manipulate the endoscope's bending movements during procedures.
16. A touch panel device used in an endoscope device comprising: a display portion having a display panel and a touch panel formed thereto and configured to display an endoscope image on the display panel acquired by an endoscope including a bending portion; and a processor configured to control the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display panel displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and the processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; wherein the processor reduces a speed of the bending operation when the user performs the first operation in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the bending portion.
This invention relates to a touch panel device for controlling an endoscope's bending portion. The device includes a display panel showing endoscope images and an integrated touch panel. A processor controls the bending portion based on user touch inputs. The display shows concentric areas: an outer ring (first area) and an inner ring (second area) with directional patterns between them. When a user holds a touch in the first area for a set duration, the bending portion moves in the direction corresponding to the touch position. If the user swipes on the directional patterns in the second area, the bending stops. If the user touches in the opposite direction of the current bend, the bending speed slows. This system provides intuitive, touch-based control for endoscope navigation, improving precision and ease of use during medical procedures. The concentric design allows quick access to both bending and stopping functions, enhancing operational efficiency.
17. A computer program product in a form of recording medium, used in a touch panel device, including a non-transitory computer readable medium having a bending control program code encoded thereon that when executed by a processor of a computer, the bending control program causes the computer to execute: a code displaying, on a display portion having a display screen and a touch panel formed thereto, the display screen includes an endoscope image acquired by an endoscope having a bending portion; a code controls the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display screen displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and the processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; and a code reducing a speed of the bending operation when the user performs the first operation in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the bending portion.
This invention relates to a touch panel control system for medical endoscopes, specifically addressing the challenge of intuitive and precise manipulation of an endoscope's bending portion. The system uses a touch panel integrated with a display screen to show endoscope images and control the bending mechanism. The display features concentric first and second areas, with the second area inside the first, forming a ring-like structure. Directional patterns between these areas indicate bending directions. When a user holds a touch input in the first area for a predetermined duration, the bending portion moves in the direction corresponding to the touch position. If the user swipes on the directional patterns in the second area, the bending operation stops. Additionally, if the user touches in the opposite direction of the current bending, the bending speed decreases. This design allows for fine control of the endoscope's bending motion through simple touch gestures, improving usability in medical procedures. The system is implemented via a computer program stored on a non-transitory medium, executing the described functions when run by a processor.
18. An endoscope bending control method comprising: preparing a display portion having a touch panel displaying a display screen; displaying an endoscope image acquired by an endoscope on the display screen, the endoscope includes a bending portion configured to communicate with a bending driving portion and a bending control portion having codes of a bending control process to control the bending driving portion in accordance to instructions input via the touch panel; and controlling the bending portion so as to perform a bending operation when a user keeps performing a first operation on the touch panel in a first predetermined duration or more and wherein the display screen displays respective concentric first and second areas in which the second area being disposed inside the first area forming a ring configuration with direction instruction patterns indicating bending direction therebetween and a processor directs the bending operation to be performed in the bending direction associated with a touch position in the first operation when the touch position is corresponding to the first area and wherein the processor being configured to stop the bending operation when the user swipes on the direction instruction patterns in the second area; and reducing a speed of the bending operation when the user performs the first operation in a direction opposite to the bending direction of the bending portion.
This invention relates to a method for controlling the bending of an endoscope using a touch panel interface. The problem addressed is the need for intuitive and precise control of an endoscope's bending portion during medical procedures, where traditional manual controls may lack responsiveness or require complex inputs. The solution involves a touch-based system that allows a user to manipulate the endoscope's bending portion by interacting with a display screen showing concentric areas with direction indicators. The display screen includes a first outer area and a second inner ring-shaped area, each with patterns indicating bending directions. When a user performs a continuous touch operation in the first area for a predetermined duration, the bending portion moves in the direction corresponding to the touch position. If the user swipes on the direction patterns in the second area, the bending operation stops. Additionally, if the user touches in a direction opposite to the current bending direction, the bending speed is reduced. The system includes an endoscope with a bendable portion, a driving mechanism to control bending, and a processor executing a control program to interpret touch inputs and adjust bending accordingly. This method aims to provide a more intuitive and responsive way to navigate an endoscope during procedures.
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December 15, 2020
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